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Junior Cost Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Provides guidance and direction to Assistant Cost Consultant and other junior team members. * Works collaboratively towards the common goal of net zero carbon transition, and share responsibility for ...

Qualifications: * 4+ years of experience as Cost Engineer / Junior Estimator in commercial construction industry. * Bachelors degree in Construction Management, Construction Science, or Civil ...

Qualifications: * 4+ years of experience as Cost Engineer / Junior Estimator in commercial construction industry. * Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Construction Science, or Civil ...

Senior Cost Accountant

Radford, VA · Hybrid

$77K - $96K/yr

This role provides oversight and guidance to a Junior Cost Accountant and serves as a key financial partner to Operations, Engineering, FP&A, and other cross-functional teams. This position may be ...

PM2CM is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Senior Project Controls Cost Engineer to lead ... Mentor and train junior project controls professionals to develop future talent. Requirements ...

PM2CM is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Senior Project Controls Cost Engineer to lead ... Mentor and train junior project controls professionals to develop future talent. Requirements ...

PM2CM is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Senior Project Controls Cost Engineer to lead ... Mentor and train junior project controls professionals to develop future talent. Requirements ...

Leidos Engineering has an opportunity for a construction project Cost and Schedule Engineer ( open ... Junior Level: Bachelor's of Science degree in engineering or construction disciplines with two plus ...

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Junior Cost Engineer information

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$33.5K

$71.8K

$109.5K

How much do junior cost engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior cost engineer in the United States is $71,799.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Junior Cost Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Cost Engineer, you need a solid understanding of cost estimation, budgeting, and financial analysis, ideally with a degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field. Familiarity with cost management software like SAP, Primavera, or Excel and, in some cases, certifications such as AACE’s Certified Cost Technician (CCT) are common requirements. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with project teams and interpret data accurately. These competencies enable precise cost control and project forecasting, which are critical for successful project delivery and financial performance.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-level positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and a strong track record of project management or technical expertise.

Can you make $250,000 as an engineer?

Junior Cost Engineers typically earn lower salaries, with earnings increasing with experience, certifications, and project scope. Senior or specialized engineers in high-demand industries or with extensive expertise can reach or exceed $250,000 annually, especially in senior roles or managerial positions. Entry-level positions generally do not offer such high salaries.

What are some common challenges faced by a Junior Cost Engineer when working on large-scale projects?

As a Junior Cost Engineer on large-scale projects, you may encounter challenges such as managing complex data from multiple sources, adapting to rapidly changing project scopes, and coordinating with various teams like procurement, engineering, and project management. Balancing accuracy in cost estimation while working under tight deadlines requires strong attention to detail and effective communication skills. Additionally, staying up-to-date with industry-standard software and reporting tools is essential to ensure reliable and timely cost tracking.

What are Junior Cost Engineers?

Junior Cost Engineers are entry-level professionals who assist in estimating, analyzing, and controlling the costs of engineering projects. They work closely with senior cost engineers and project managers to prepare budgets, monitor expenses, and ensure projects stay within financial limits. Their responsibilities often include data analysis, cost reporting, and helping to identify potential savings or risks. This role typically serves as a starting point for those looking to build a career in cost engineering or project management.

What is the difference between Junior Cost Engineer vs Cost Estimator?

AspectJunior Cost EngineerCost Estimator
Required CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Engineering, Construction Management, or related fieldBachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, engineering firms, project officesPre-construction phase, office-based, project planning
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, engineering, infrastructure projectsConstruction, manufacturing, engineering projects
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Junior Cost Engineer and Cost Estimator roles often overlap in construction and engineering industries. While both require similar educational backgrounds and work in project cost management, the Junior Cost Engineer typically supports cost analysis during project execution, whereas the Cost Estimator focuses on preparing initial project cost estimates during planning. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or certain senior roles in software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes leadership or executive responsibilities.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as petroleum, software, aerospace, and electrical engineering can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership roles. High-paying engineering positions often require specialized skills, advanced degrees, and work in high-demand industries or locations with a high cost of living.
More about Junior Cost Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Junior Cost Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Junior Cost Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cost Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Cost Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Junior Cost Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Junior Cost Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Junior Cost Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,799 per year, or $34.5 per hour.
Cost Engineer

Cost Engineer

Mace

San Francisco, CA • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

At Mace, our purpose is to redefine the boundaries of ambition. We believe in creating places that are responsible, bringing transformative impact to our people, communities and societies across the globe. To learn more about our purpose, culture, and priorities, visit our strategy site.  

Within our Consult business we harness our unique combination of leading-edge practical expertise and project deliveryconsultancy to unlock the potential in every project.  

Our values shape the way we consult, and define the people we want to join us on our journey:  

  • Safety first - Going home safe and well

  • Client focus - Deliver on our promise

  • Integrity - Always do the right thing

  • Create opportunity - For our people to excel

You'll be responsible for: 

  • Conducts feasibility studies, advising on procurement strategies and contract selection, writing and undertaking procurement reports. 

  • Applies the value management techniques at the outset of a project.

  • Manages, estimating and cost planning activities to include taking ownership of and presenting the final cost plan.

  • Assists in procurement and selection of main contractor.

  • Prepares contract documents, warranties, bonds and licenses and assist formal execution by the appropriate parties.

  • Advises on administration of the terms of the building contract.

  • Measures and provides valuations of the work carried out and adjust variations in accordance with the terms of the contract and agree with the contractor.

  • Provides cost control and reporting services during the contract.

  • Prepares financial reports for the client in the form and at the frequency required.

  • Identifies all costs associated with design changes, contract awards, construction activities and client charges.

  • Participates in the evaluation of claims for delay and additional costs made by the contractor and any nominated subcontractors/suppliers.

  • Advises on the issue of certificates of practical completion and ensure that final accounts are negotiated and agreed.

  • Advises on issue of certificate of making good defects and final completion in accordance with any requirements relating to completion, submissions and approvals.

  • Delivers improvements in systems and processes, driving transformational change.

  • Provides guidance and direction to Assistant Cost Consultant and other junior team members. 

  • Works collaboratively towards the common goal of net zero carbon transition, and share responsibility for the proactive identification and management of the associated carbon emissions and reductions during the delivery of work.

You'll also have:

  • Proven experience in cost consultancy, including cost planning, budgeting and estimating

  • Strong understanding of costs, timescales, and associated delivery risks

  • Knowledge of contract types, methods of measurement, and contract administration

  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills

  • Effective stakeholder management and communication across all levels

  • Digitally competent with experience in value-adding initiatives (e.g. BIM)

  • Degree in quantity surveying/cost management and working towards or holding MRICS/RICS (or equivalent) 

Note: The estimated salary for this position is 120,000 USD - 140,000 USD. Starting salary may vary based on permissible, non-discriminatory factors such as experience, skills and qualifications.

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfil all of the criteria, please apply as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organization.  

We are also open to discussing part time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable within the role.